Cyclone batters Tongan capital

Nuku'Alofa: Nuku'alofa awoke to scenes of devastation on Tuesday after the most powerful cyclone ever recorded in the Tongan capital tore roofs off buildings, downed powerlines and caused extensive flooding, prompting a state of emergency in the tiny Pacific nation. Veteran disaster management officials were shocked at the fury of Severe Cyclone Gita as it unleashed 230 kmh winds on Tonga’s most populous island Tongatapu.